Imagine it’s a hot summer afternoon. You’ve set up for your backyard barbecue. Your guests arrive, and they see the grill is ready.
You surprise them with grilled watermelon. It’s something new and exciting.
Grilled watermelon salad is more than just food. It’s a conversation starter. It mixes watermelon’s sweetness with a smoky taste from grilling.
When you serve it, your guests are amazed. Grilling makes watermelon special. It’s a great addition to your BBQ. Are you ready to make your own grilled watermelon salad? Let’s start!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a refreshing salad with watermelon, this is it. The sweet, juicy watermelon slices get a smoky flavor from the grill. This pairs well with peppery arugula and sharp blue cheese.
This salad is not only pretty but also full of different tastes and textures. It’s great whether you’ve tried grilled watermelon before or not. The grill makes the fruit sweeter and adds a savory char.
Ingredients Needed for Grilled Watermelon Salad
Making a tasty watermelon salad recipe starts with fresh ingredients. This easy grilled salad needs a few simple, tasty parts. They all come together for a great taste experience. Here’s what you need:
- Fresh watermelon slices
- Arugula
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Unsalted pistachios
- Balsamic glaze
- Extra virgin olive oil
- A squeeze of lemon juice
These ingredients mix sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. They make it perfect for your next BBQ. The fresh watermelon slices are juicy. Arugula adds a peppery taste.
Crumbled blue cheese brings a creamy, tangy flavor. Unsalted pistachios add a nice crunch. Drizzle balsamic glaze for a tangy kick. Finish with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice for extra zest.
How to Pick the Perfect Watermelon
Choosing a ripe watermelon is key for a tasty grilled watermelon salad. Here are some tips to pick the best one:
Tapping Technique: Tap the watermelon gently. A ripe one sounds deep and hollow. This means it’s juicy and perfect for your salad.
Check for the Yellow Spot: Find a creamy yellow spot on the bottom. This spot shows the fruit ripened in the sun. A good yellow spot means the watermelon is sweet and will make your salad great.
Follow these simple tips to make your salad delicious. Happy grilling!
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Watermelon
Grilling watermelon makes it smoky and tasty. Here’s how to do it right.
- Start by slicing the watermelon into thick, round disks. Make them about 1 inch thick for the best results.
- Pat the slices dry with a paper towel. This step removes extra moisture, helping the watermelon grill better.
- Brush each slice with olive oil. This adds richness and prevents sticking.
- Preheat your grill to high heat. A hot grill is key for great grill marks.
- Place the watermelon slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Flip when grill marks show, for even cooking.
- After grilling, sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Salt brings out the sweetness and adds to the smoky taste.
These grilled fruit recipes are great for summer cookouts. Follow these steps to impress your guests with grilled watermelon. Enjoy it on its own or in a salad. Happy grilling!
Choosing the Right Greens and Herbs for Your Salad
Starting a perfect watermelon salad recipe means picking the right greens and herbs. Arugula is great because it tastes peppery. This flavor is a nice contrast to watermelon’s sweetness. It’s a key part of many healthy salad recipes.
Adding fresh herbs makes your salad even better. Mint and basil are excellent choices. Mint makes the salad cool and refreshing. Basil adds sweetness and a bit of spice, making it more interesting.
When you make your salad, mix these greens and herbs in different ways. This helps you find the perfect mix for your taste. Trying out different herbs and greens can make your watermelon salad amazing. Each bite will be a refreshing treat.
Preparing Your Grilled Watermelon Salad for a BBQ
Getting ready for your next barbecue? A standout dish like a bbq salad with watermelon will impress your guests. Here’s how to prepare:
- Advance Prep: Start by preparing the base ingredients ahead of time. Mix your arugula and cheese and keep it cool until serving.
- Grill Time: Grill the watermelon just before serving. This keeps it warm and adds a smoky flavor.
- Final Assembly: Mix the grilled watermelon with the pre-made salad just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and adds nice textures.
- Presentation: Arrange your summer salad ideas on a large platter. It should look as good as it tastes.
The Perfect Cheese Pairings for Watermelon Salad
Choosing the right cheese can elevate your grilled watermelon salad. Blue cheese is bold and tangy. It pairs well with the sweetness of the watermelon.
Feta cheese is a great choice if you like something milder. It’s creamy and salty, balancing the watermelon’s sweetness. Goat cheese is also good, with its creamy texture and subtle tang.
Try different cheeses to find your favorite. This will make your grilled watermelon salad even better. It will impress everyone who tries it.
Variations and Add-Ins to Customize Your Salad
Make your grilled watermelon salad your own. It’s easy to change up an easy grilled salad. You can add fruits, nuts, and cheeses to make it special. Here are some fun ideas:
- Fruits: Try adding strawberries, peaches, or blueberries. They make your salad colorful and tasty.
- Nuts: Add almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Toasting them first makes them crunchier and tastier.
- Cheese: Don’t just use feta. Try goat cheese, gorgonzola, or sharp cheddar. They add different flavors and textures.
Don’t stop there. Be creative with herbs and greens. Mixing your favorite ingredients makes a salad that’s all yours. It’s perfect for any time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Grilled Watermelon Salad
Grilled watermelon salad is perfect for summer. It goes great with grilled meats like BBQ chicken or beef steak. The smoky watermelon tastes amazing with the meat, making it a top choice for barbecues.
It’s also great with seafood. Try it with grilled shrimp or salmon. The watermelon’s sweetness pairs well with the seafood’s savory taste, making it a hit with guests.
Want to make it a main dish? Try it with a chilled white wine or citrusy sangria. These drinks refresh your taste and bring out the salad’s flavors.
Looking for more ideas? Try adding grilled peaches or pineapples to your salad. The smoky fruit and fresh greens make for a tasty mix.
With these tips, your grilled watermelon salad will be a favorite. It’s perfect as a main dish or a tasty side.
Crafting the Ideal Dressing for Grilled Watermelon Salad
Making the perfect dressing for your grilled watermelon salad is key. It makes your dish unforgettable. A simple yet tasty dressing is what you need.
Try a mix of balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil. The glaze adds a tangy taste that makes the watermelon sweeter. The olive oil adds a smooth feel.
Adding fresh lemon juice brings a zesty touch. It cuts through the oil’s richness. It also balances the peppery arugula and salty cheese.
This mix of ingredients makes a dressing that’s both beautiful and flavorful. It adds a new taste to every bite. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking!
Adding Crunch with Nuts
Nuts are great for adding texture and flavor to your grilled watermelon salad. Try crushed pistachios or sliced almonds for a nice crunch. This mix of soft watermelon, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts makes every bite better.
Lightly toasted nuts can make your salad even tastier. A little bit of nuts can turn a simple dish into something special. Choose from pistachios, almonds, or walnuts to match the watermelon’s freshness and the cheese’s richness.
Nuts not only taste good but also look great. They make your salad a hit at any party. So, try different nuts to find the perfect crunch for your salad.
Delicious Variations of Grilled Watermelon Salad
Looking to spice up your watermelon salad? You’re in for a treat! There are many tasty ways to make this salad your own.
Try using different melons like cantaloupe or honeydew. They add color and flavor. For a peppery taste, use baby spinach instead of arugula.
Adding crispy prosciutto brings a nice contrast. Don’t forget to try different cheeses, nuts, and balsamic glaze. Find your perfect mix!
Adding new ingredients or changing the dressing makes your salad a hit. These changes keep your watermelon salad refreshing and exciting!
Summary
This grilled watermelon salad is a mix of sweet watermelon and smoky flavor. It’s great for those wanting tasty fruit salad ideas. The recipe shows a nice mix of tastes and textures.
Looking for a cool side dish or a fun twist for BBQs? This salad is perfect. It goes well with many dishes, adding a special and healthy touch to your meals.
Trying grilled fruit recipes can lead to new food adventures. This salad, with greens, herbs, and cheese, suits many tastes. Make your summer meals special with this tasty fruit salad that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
You might have questions about making this tasty bbq salad with watermelon. We’ve got answers to the most common ones. This will make your cooking fun and easy.
What are alternative grilling methods? Don’t have a grill? No worries! Use a grill pan on your stovetop or the broiler in your oven. This way, you can get that yummy char on the watermelon.
Can I substitute the cheese in the recipe? Yes, you can! Feta is great because it’s creamy and tangy. But you can try goat cheese or blue cheese too. Each one adds a special flavor that goes well with the watermelon.
Any tips for making the salad ahead of time? If you’re making the salad early, keep the grilled watermelon and dressing apart from the greens. This keeps the greens crisp and the watermelon fresh. Just put it all together and dress it right before you serve.
We hope these answers help you make a fantastic and easy grilled salad. It’s sure to be a hit at your next party! Enjoy making this refreshing twist on a classic bbq favorite.